Comparison Maman RB-27 vs Philips Avent SCF285/03

The type determines the general purpose of the device.

— Sterilizer. A device designed to sterilize children's dishes (bottles, nipples and pacifiers, spoons, cups, etc.). The main function of the sterilizer is the destruction of harmful bacteria; using a specialized device for this is more convenient, and often more effective than using improvised means (for example, boiling in a saucepan). Sterilizers can use different operating principles (see “Operating principle”, “Sterilization”).

— Heater. A device designed to heat baby food to the optimum temperature. Such a device is more convenient than a traditional stove or microwave — it is usually equipped with a thermostat and effectively heats food for the baby without overheating it.

— Heater-sterilizer. Universal devices that can work both as a heater and as a sterilizer (see above). They are quite expensive, but this disadvantage is compensated by the fact that instead of two separate devices, you can use one multi-purpose device (which, in the end, can be cheaper, and takes up less space).

Sterilizers with this feature consist of a main unit and several removable container modules for sterilized items. Most often, the set comes with a tall container for bottles, and a small one for nipples, pacifiers and other “small things”. The modules can be used both individually and together — in the latter case, they are usually installed one on top of the other, like steamer baskets. The similarity is enhanced by the fact that most of these sterilizers use steam (see "Sterilization"), although cold processing may also be provided in addition to it.

Anyway, the modular design allows you to optimally adjust the device to the specific situation. For example, to sterilize several pacifiers, it is enough to install only one small container — this will not only save electricity, but also have a positive effect on the efficiency of the procedure itself. And the use of two modules at once, in turn, saves time.

— Temperature control. The ability to accurately set the heating temperature at your discretion (in heaters and heater-sterilizers, see "Type"). This function allows you to optimally adjust the device to a particular situation — for example, for a child of different ages, the recommended food temperature will also be different.

— Maintenance of temperature. Warmers with this function are able not only to heat cold baby food to the desired temperature, but also to maintain this temperature. Thus, the parent does not have to feed the child immediately after the end of the heating, fearing that otherwise the food will cool down — you can remove the bottle later, at the most convenient moment.

— Auto power off. Automatic shutdown of the device — usually at the end of the work programme. The meaning and features of this function may be different. So, in the simplest heaters, auto-off allows you to avoid overheating — when the desired temperature is reached, the temperature sensor is triggered. In sterilizers, this feature provides energy savings — the procedure lasts exactly as long as it takes for effective sterilization, and less. In addition, auto-off can be triggered when there is not enough water in the steam sterilizer tank — this prevents overheating and damage to the device itself. Anyway, this feature provides additional convenience, and sometimes...security when using the device.

— Display. The presence in the device of its own display. Usually, this is the simplest black and white LCD screen. However, such a screen can display a wide variety of information: temperature (actual and/or planned), selected programme, operating time (set or remaining), timer settings, water level, antibacterial agent remaining (in chemical sterilizers), battery charge and much more. Specific features depend on the model of the device, however, the display anyway makes the operation more convenient and informative.

— Timer. Most often, this refers to the delay start timer used in appliances with a heater function (see "Type"). This function allows you to "charge" the device in advance and set the start time so that the heating ends at the right time — for example, so that a bottle of warm milk is already waiting for you when you return from a walk at home.

— Ready indicator. An indicator signaling the achievement of the desired temperature or the end of the sterilization programme. Usually uses a light signal — for example, the light is on during heating and goes out when it ends.

Additional items included in the package in addition to the device itself.

— Forceps. Special tongs designed to remove processed objects from the device. Such a device is relevant primarily for steam sterilizers (see "Sterilization") — during such processing, objects become very hot, and it can be inconvenient to get them out with your hands.

— Elevator. A device designed to facilitate the removal of a bottle from a warmer. Usually it looks like a basket with a long handle, in which the bottle is placed; at the end of heating, the basket together with the bottle can be easily removed from the working chamber.

— Measuring cup. Measuring cups in this case, usually, are intended for pouring water into the device itself. Heaters often work on the principle of a water bath, and for steam sterilizers (see "Sterilization") water is required by definition. It is easier to measure the amount of water required for work with the help of a complete measuring cup.

— Container for warming up food. A special container designed to heat thick foods such as cereals or fruit/vegetable purees in the warmer. Warming such food in a bottle is inconvenient, and sometimes impossible; the container is made quite roomy and wide.

— Citrus juicer. Device for obtaining juice from...oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits. When squeezing the fruit, you must first cut it in half, then press each half with the pulp against a special ribbed ledge on the juicer and press hard.

The maximum number of items that fit in the device at a time.

Almost all heaters (see "Type") are made "single-charged" — in fact, it is rarely necessary to heat several bottles of milk at once. But sterilizers are often designed for several items at once — this saves time on processing. At the same time, a more capacious appliance, on the one hand, is more convenient with an abundance of dishes, on the other hand, it is heavier, bulkier and more expensive. So when choosing, it is worth considering what is more important — compactness or the ability to work with numerous objects.

Note that in models for bottles and jars (see "Intended use"), capacity is usually indicated for containers with a narrow neck; wide dishes in such a device will fit less. And for universal devices designed for both bottles / jars and nipples / pacifiers, capacity is usually given only for bottles; the number of places for nipples and pacifiers may be less, this should be clarified before buying.

Time taken by the instrument for one standard sterilization cycle.

Ideally, this time should be as short as possible — because the faster the sterilizer works, the more time it saves. At the same time, with electric heating or ultraviolet type of sterilization, high speed requires a more powerful hardware, which, in turn, affects energy consumption, price and dimensions of the device. And in models heated by microwave ovens, the actual time of the programme depends on the power of the stove; at the same time, the characteristics may indicate the time for heating at a power of 1200 W or more, and such power is not provided by all microwave ovens.

Rated power consumed by the device during operation.

This parameter is specified for models that support mains power (see above). At the same time, even the most powerful and high consumption sterilizers and heaters consume only about 1 kW — a normal home outlet provides such power without any problems. Therefore, this indicator is relevant mainly for those who fundamentally care about maximizing energy savings.

The country of origin of the brand under which the product is marketed. Often indicated by the nationality of the company or the location of its headquarters. At the same time, the actual production capacity of the brand often differs from the country of origin.

It should be noted that the quality of products depends not so much on geography, but on the peculiarities of the organization of processes and quality control at all stages of production. Therefore, national prejudices regarding brands from certain regions, as a rule, are not supported by anything. It is necessary to pay attention to the country of origin of the brand only if the task is to fundamentally support or bypass the manufacturer from a particular state.